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Immunotherapy with monomethoxypolyethylene glycol modified allergens
1Research and Development, Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden.
Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified allergens show reduced allergenicity and maintain clinical efficacy, offering a safer alternative for immunotherapy in allergic individuals. While less effective in established IgE responses, they show promise for early-stage allergies and asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polyethylene glycol (mPEG)-modified allergens were developed to reduce allergenicity compared to native preparations.
- Initial experiments in naive mice suggested mPEG-modified allergens could suppress IgE responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mPEG-modified allergens in allergic humans and pre-sensitized animals.
- To compare immunotherapy (IT) with mPEG-modified allergens versus unmodified allergens.
Main Methods:
- Administration of mPEG-modified allergen conjugates to allergic patients and pre-sensitized animals.
- Assessment of IgE antibody suppression and clinical efficacy.
- Comparison of safety profiles between modified and unmodified allergen preparations.
Main Results:
- Minor or no IgE suppression was observed in allergic patients with longstanding IgE responses, confirmed in pre-sensitized animals.
- mPEG-modified allergens demonstrated clinical efficacy comparable to unmodified allergens, with improved safety at higher doses.
- In mite asthmatics, mPEG-modified preparations were safer, and allergen-induced histamine release from skin mast cells decreased.
Conclusions:
- mPEG-modified allergens are suitable for production due to reproducible synthesis and quality control.
- They offer a safer immunotherapy option, particularly for children and young adults with developing allergies and certain asthma patients.
- The allergic component of asthma may be influenced by IT with mPEG allergens, warranting consideration of bronchial wall reversibility before treatment.